Skoda Superb

The new Skoda Superb is a real head turner. This vehicle is probably the most versatile of its class and it’s by far the most spacious in its segment. The Superb is built on the Volkswagen MQB 2 platform and some think that Volkswagen should be worried about the Superb taking customers directly off the Passat. It by far has the largest boot and while the entry level price is not far off that of the Passat’s, what you get as standard in the Superb is a more-attractive package. This new Superb was unveiled and released in 2015. It is available as a saloon and as an estate (combi). This vehicle won the APMP (Association of Professional Motoring Press) Irish Car of the Year award for 2016.

Performance

There is a generous range of engines available to the Irish market. The smallest offering is the 1.4 litre petrol engine that offers 125 bhp. There is a good range of diesel engines available too. The smallest of these is a 1.6 litre TDI that offers 120 bhp. After driving the higher powered 2.0 litre TDI engines you realise that the 1.6 engine is slightly underpowered – but it will suit some people. The 2.0 litre engine is tuned to offer 150 bhp or 190 bhp. The 190 bhp model is also available with four-wheel drive.

Ride & Handling

This vehicle is just under five metres in length and therefore you would expect that it suffers in terms of handling. We were surprised to find that it handled very well. The Superb is available with special dampers that adapt to the road and drivers can choose to drive in normal, comfort or sport. Comfort mode was the best for soaking up road imperfections. In terms of body roll the vehicle will only suffer if you are taking corners at high speeds. The vehicle is well composed. Likewise, when it comes to cornering and twists & turns the Superb deals with them well - provided you are not driving too fast.

Refinement

This is an extremely refined vehicle. The interior is brilliantly padded from external noises and there is no major issues from road or wind noise. The engines are hushed too, which makes driving the Superb a very comfortable experience.

Quality & Reliability

The Superb comes very highly specced, even at entry level. It comes with many clever additions and it offers much more than the Passat, the Mondeo and the Avensis. The vehicle is well connected with the driver, passengers and the road. The infotainment system is very easy to use. Even at the entry level the seats are very comfortable.

Safety & Security

The new Superb received a full five stars in the Euro NCAP tests. It scored 86% for both adult and child occupancy. For pedestrian safety it scored 71% and for safety assist is scored 76%. The car comes with up to nine airbags. The Superb also has what’s called “Traffic Jam Assist”. Like with the BMW set up, this system maintains a certain degree of steering and acceleration while sitting in traffic – it shows that Volkswagen Group are getting closer to autonomous driving. This system works at speeds of 60 km/h.

Space & Practicality

Both versions offer best-in-class space. The boot is the biggest in its class and it offers limousine-like space to the front and rear. The fuel economy of the new Superb has also been improved in comparison to the outgoing model.